E-scooter 'scourge' is blasted by judge during insurance case
Judge Marie Keane described e-scooters as "an absolute scourge".
A district court judge has blasted the ‘scourge’ of e-scooters.
Judge Marie Keane made the comments after she "reluctantly" dismissed a no-insurance case due to ambiguities in the law.
Ashik Mouchaptyat Parambil, aged 32, of Hilltop Crescent, Claremorris contested the case at Castlebar District Court.
Solicitor Michael Keane, representing the accused, told the court his client was fighting the case because a criminal conviction could hinder his plans to become an Irish citizen. He added that the law governing e-scooters is currently being examined and the vehicles could become exempt from insurance next year.
Garda Neil Lynott said that on February 27, 2021, he observed an e-scooter being driven at Main Street, Claremorris, which was not fitted with a rear registration plate. Gda Lynott observed the scooter mounting and dismounting the footpath in an attempt to avoid traffic at the junction of James Street and the Old Ballindine Road. The driver, Parambil, was stopped a short distance from the Old Ballindine Road. He was wearing a crash helmet and produced an Indian driving licence. He claimed insurance was not required because he was driving an electric scooter that had a maximum speed of 30km/h.
The vehicle was detained and inspected by Gardai who were satisfied it could be classed as a mechanically propelled vehicle (MPV).
Mr Keane said his client genuinely believed he did not require insurance. Parambil only mounted the footpath due to the narrow nature of the road at James Street. He has no previous convictions and has been living in Ireland for seven years with his wife who works as a nurse.
The defendant told the court he purchased the e-scooter on Facebook for €650. He asked Gardaí who frequented the takeaway where he works if he required insurance for the scooter and also googled the requirements.
“The Guards are coming in for a takeaway and you are asking for legal advice?” queried Judge Keane.
Parambil has since sold the vehicle.
Judge Keane branded e-scooters an "absolute scourge".
“That is the only word for them and for people to be mounting footpaths and driving around parked cars is simply outrageous. You (Parambil) have told the court your wife is a critical care nurse and you have a newborn baby. I am sure your wife has seen the results of these scooters in the course of her work.
"As someone with a newborn baby, I am sure you are walking the footpaths Mr Parambil and you will find any amount of these e-scooters driving along the footpath,” said Judge Keane.
She said that given the lack of clarity in the law she was obliged to strike out the no-insurance charge.
“But I am striking it out reluctantly because this is outrageous carry-on,” said Judge Keane.
Parambil brought €500 in court as a contribution to Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and the judge directed the sum should go to the organisation.
